Buddy Cornett

Bud Cornett

1937 - 2026

Buddy Wilson Cornett, 88, of Greenup, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, at the Wurtland Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born on March 7, 1937, in Big Branch, Hindman, KY, he was the son of the late Dan and Rhoda Martin Cornett.

On August 10, 1959, Buddy married Palma Watts of Carr Creek, daughter of Ruby and Effie Hays Watts. A graduate of Hindman High School, Bud continued his education at the University of Kentucky and Morehead State University.

A dedicated businessman, Bud spent over 40 years with Martin’s Department Store. After moving to Greenup in 1967, he and Pam raised five children and became fixtures of the local business community as operator, then owners of Mocabees Department Store and M&M Five & Ten.

Bud’s commitment to his community was notable, serving faithfully in the Merchants Association, Lions Club, and Volunteer Fire Department. A man of deep faith, he was a longtime member and deacon at Greenup Christian Church. Bud was also a cornerstone of local youth sports, spending decades coaching basketball, leading baseball field crews, and helping build local parks. He was an avid gardener and a outdoorsman who cherished sharing his love for hunting and fishing at Cave Run Lake and Cherokee Lake with family and friends.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Pam; his children, Tim (Donna) Cornett, Cindy (Shannon) Lewis, Karen (Mike) Ritchie, and Jim Cornett; seven grandchildren, Derek (Natasha) Ritchie, Chris Cornett, Brad Lewis, Kyle Cornett, Marinda Rose Cornett, Brevan (Ian) Ritchie-Winters, and Emma Cornett; four great-grandchildren, Jett, Drake, Brody Ritchie and Zelda Ritchie-Winters; and his faithful caregiver, Tina Fellhauer.

Bud was preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa Cornett; his parents; his brother, Collie C. B. "Burrhead" Cornett; and his sister, Sallie Arnett.

Funeral services for Buddy Wilson Cornett will be held at Greenup Christian Church at Greenup, KY, Saturday, February 14, 2026. at 12:30PM with Pastor Mike Dennis & Tracy Baker officiating. Burial will take place at Cornett Cemetery (Mouth of Big Branch RT 1231) at Hindman, KY at 4:00PM. Visitation will be held at the Church Saturday morning from 11:00AM until time of service at 12:30PM.

Arrangements by Hindman Funeral Services, Hindman, KY.

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